The Ceremony – What It Should Contain

Vows

Your Marriage/ Union commitment. You can repeat after the celebrant if desired, so no need to memorise – unless you prefer to!

Readings/Poems

I recommend you include up to 2, as this will give your ceremony some balance and help set the mood. These may be read by family member, friend or your Celebrant.

The Giving Away

This part is completely optional. If you choose to include this, it is traditionally  done by a parent (or both) or a family member/close friend.

The Asking

During your ceremony I will ask you, if you take one another to be your lawfully wedded husband and /or wife. Your answer being “I do” or “I will”.

The Ring Exchange

This is a personal choice for you as a couple, e.g. there may be just one ring for the bride.

Declaration and Kiss

Declaration of marriage.

Rituals

There are many gorgeous and meaningful rituals you may wish to include to add an extra dimension to your ceremony, such as:

  • Sand Ceremony
  • Butterfly Release
  • Dove Release
  • Hand fasting

Other things you may wish to include in your ceremony:

  • Sharing stories of how you met each other, and also how one of you proposed.
  • Any quirky, fun stories from your life that you wish to share with all your gathered loved ones
  • Reading of emails from friends and family (which can be included as a surprise for you – should you wish).

Music

Your Personal choice  to be played before, and during the bride’s arrival and whilst signing the legal documents.

Ring exchange weddings christchurch

Your ceremony will be tailor-made to your personalities and ideals. The legal aspects of the event are actually very minimal, which leaves you with plenty of space for as much originality or tradition as you desire. I write every ceremony from scratch so it is 100% ALL ABOUT YOU.

To learn more about the legal requirements visit the Department of Internal Affairs website.

Examples of other ceremonies include telling the stories of how you met each other and also how one of you proposed.   Also any quirky fun stories from your life you want to share with all your gathered loved ones and emails from friends and family that I can read as a surprise for you should you wish.

Beth is a member of...